RockForLife Blog RSS Feed http://www.rockforlife.org/rss.php RockForLife Blog RSS Feed en-us Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:01:30 EST Tue, 09 Feb 2010 06:01:30 EST http://www.rockforlife.org info@rockforlife.org info@rockforlife.org 'Hope for Haiti Now' All-Star Digital Release Funnels Portion of Proceeds to Pro-Abortion UNICEF http://www.rockforlife.org/word_pressreleases.php?id=10351 2010-02-04 17:23:00 MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 03 February 2010 'HOPE FOR HAITI NOW' ALL-STAR DIGITAL RELEASE FUNNELS PORTION OF PROCEEDS TO PRO-ABORTION UNICEF Washington, DC (03 February 2010) –  The following is a statement from Erik Whittington, director of Rock for Life on MTV’s “Hope for Haiti Now” digital release and telethon. Proceeds will fund UNICEF – a United Nation’s program notorious for funding abortions, condoms and sterilization projects. “Hope for Haiti Now” featuring well-known artists such as Jay-Z, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Alicia Keys, Neil Young, Christina Aguilera and others, was initiated by a phone call between George Clooney and MTV Networks. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the Haitian people who need food, water, medicine, housing and help rebuilding. The last thing Haitians need is UNICEF’s anti-life agenda of abortion, contraception, sterilization and sexual immorality. We will not let UNICEF’s despicable record of using humanitarian crisis to push their anti-life agenda go unnoticed and unchallenged.  “We implore MTV Networks to drop UNICEF from its list of non-profits receiving funds from the Hope for Haiti Now project. MTV has enough controversy on its hands already from pushing sexual immorality and abortion to the youth of America. "We also Americans to open their hearts and their wallets to the Haitian people, but not through an immoral organization like UNICEF.” ROCKERS TAKE TO D.C. STREETS FOR HUMAN PERSONHOOD JAN. 21-23 http://www.rockforlife.org/word_pressreleases.php?id=10350 2010-01-14 15:15:00 MEDIA ADVISORY WHAT: American Life League’s Rock for Life project will take the human personhood message to the streets of Washington, D.C. during the nation’s largest annual pro-life demonstration with three full days of protests, prayer vigils, concerts and activism. WHEN: January 21-23, 2010 WHERE: THURSDAY, JAN. 21 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Prayer & Outreach @ Planned Parenthood Planned Parenthood 1108 16th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 10:10 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. Protest at Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice 1025 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 10:45 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Protest at NARAL Pro-choice America 1156 15th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. Protest at National Organization of Women 1100 H Street NW, Washington, D.C. 2 – 3:30 p.m.: Rock for Life Personhood Training: Rock for Life's Erik Whittington, Kortney Blythe & Jeff McLain cover topics such as Creating a Generation of Abortion Abolitionists, Wearing a Pro-Life T-shirt in Public High School (and what to do if harassed), Your Role with Rock for Life in the Personhood Movement and much more! Rock for Life Room/Washington Court Hotel 525 New Jersey Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.     7 p.m.: "Equal Justice Under Law" Prayer Vigil United States Supreme Court  8 p.m.: Personhood NOW! Rock for Life Concert featuring Article One, Emily & Anna, and Alakrity for additional concert info click here Washington Court Hotel Ballroom 525 New Jersey Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. FRIDAY, JAN. 22 Noon:  Participation in March for Life    4:30 p.m.: Silent No More, protest National Organization for Women candlelight "vigil" United States Supreme Court  7 p.m.: Rock for Life Concert featuring Kids in the Way, Hope At Hand, Skyhawk Drive and Alakrity (Washington Court Ballroom) Washington Court Hotel Ballroom 525 New Jersey Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. SATURDAY, JAN. 23 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Prayer & Outreach @ Planned Parenthood Planned Parenthood 1108 16th St., NW Washington, D.C. WHO: Rock for Life, a project of American Life League, works with hundreds of bands and thousands of pro-life youth who use music as a means to engage, educate and equip our culture to be advocates for life. You will not silence my message, you will not mock my God, you will stop killing my generation. WHY:  In the last year, human personhood efforts, led by a new generation of pro-lifers have swept the nation as a radically reignited movement to restore respect for the human rights due each human person from his or her biological beginning. Eight states have formally launched human personhood amendment campaigns to their state constitutions and dozens more are organizing initiatives. Rock for Life will bring together youth activists from across the nation to demand recognition of human rights for all human beings. CONTACT: Katie Walker 540.659.4942| kwalker@all.org VIDEO: Ashlee's mom was fourteen, dad not around and grandma advocated for abortion http://www.rockforlife.org/blog.php?id=2877 2009-12-10 16:59:00 We met Ashlee a couple years ago on the Rock for Life Summer Festivals Tour.  Ashlee was conceived when her mom was fourteen, her dad wasn't around and her grandma advocated for abortion.  We are glad that her mom choose life! Interviewing Musician Jason Lovins; Conceived in Rape and Lived to Tell About It http://www.rockforlife.org/blog.php?id=2874 2009-12-09 17:33:00 by Jeff McLain  Jason is the lead singer and songwriter of the band by his name, the Jason Lovins Band. He is heavily influenced by and a fan of artists like FEE and the David Crowder Band, and he ranks Mountain Dew and The Goonies as some of his biggest interests. The Jason Lovins Band is a very active touring worship rock act, booked up already with tour dates through July. The band is based in Ashland, Kentucky, a beautiful area of the Appalachian mountains that I have had the chance to travel through a few times. Jason's sound is a mix of the Appalachian country and gospel music blended with contemporary worship rock. Though he's busy working at conferences and retreats, we had the chance to talk last week and Jason shared with me his story and journey. After talking with Jason about his band and his life, I knew it would be something beneficial and interesting for our Rock for Life Netcast listeners to hear. So this week, on the Rock for Life Netcast, we interviewed him. Jason is not only a talented musician and worship leader, but his mom was the victim of rape, of which Jason is the result. Listen to Jason tell his story on this week's netcast or by clicking on the video. Call to Action for Pastors & Christian Leaders http://www.rockforlife.org/blog.php?id=2873 2009-12-09 16:23:00 by Kortney Blythe In a December 1 press release to commemorate World AIDS Day, Kay Warren, wife of mega-church and Purpose Drive Life author Rick Warren, made this statement: "HIV/AIDS is still the greatest humanitarian crisis of all time, killing millions every year and leaving millions of orpaned and vulnerable children behind." I could compare the number of deaths between abortion and AIDS, but all death is tragic. There is no doubt that the AIDS pandemic is a humanitarian issue. The precious orphaned children deserve our attention and assistance. And as Christians, we should care for and love those who have contracted HIV/AIDS.  But instead of nit-picking over the assumption that AIDS is the “greatest” humanitarian crisis of all time, I want to urge pastors to put as much effort into combating abortion as they do other social justice issues.  Statistics say that 43 percent of American women will have an abortion. With a regular attendance of 22,000, we could guestimate that half are women and 4,000 or so at Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church will have an abortion. Plus, many more men and women will be affected by it in some way. Fortunately, Pastor Warren has been vocally pro-life, even calling abortion “a holocaust.” Many pastors believe this and would make strong statements against abortion, if asked their personal positions. However, while pastors are hosting conferences, creating web sites and launching projects dedicated to ending AIDS, poverty, and global warming, very few have put the same effort into restoring personhood to the preborn.  Explaining the church’s role, Warren said: "As we have seen through our work around the world, because the Church has the largest distribution network, we believe it has the opportunity to not only slow the spread of HIV/AIDS, but to stop it." He’s right. Churches—especially large ones—have unprecedented networks which can yield powerful results. My hope is that all pastors and Christian leaders will use this large “distribution network” to stop the murder of preborn children. They don’t even have to start on a large international or national scale. Just preach an uncompromising pro-life message to your congregation. Encourage your parishioners to support personhood initiatives. Have pro-life literature available in your church corridors. Support pro-life missionaries and promote sidewalk counseling. These are simple yet powerful things that every single church in America could easily implement. Most pastors have widespread influence. However the statistics on women procuring abortions don’t change within the church. That means when pastors are silent on abortion, they are missing an opportunity to discuss an important and prevalent topic affecting (and killing off) their flocks. Pastors, priests and clergyman, I know it’s not an easy task. You’ll get much less resistance if you pick mainstream issues that don’t stir much controversy. But, consider this: There is no shortage of people taking up popular causes such as the environment, poverty, education and AIDS. Who will speak up for the weakest, most defenseless, most vulnerable among us who are being killed en masse, sometimes right across the street from your church building? Abortion is not an issue. It’s a human rights violation, a worldwide genocide and God hates it. Shouldn’t we do all we can to fight what God hates? Christian musician Charlie Hall wrote a song based on Micah 6:8. He writes: “Help us love mercy. Help us do justly. Help us walk humbly with you, God.” May this be our prayer and the prayers of all those in Christian leadership. Netcast: Conceived in Rape and Lived to Tell About It http://www.rockforlife.org/blog.php?id=2871 2009-12-09 13:23:00 We just uploaded the latest Rock for Life netcast. Click here to take a listen. Featured Artist: Jason Lovins Band Feature: Jason Lovins - Conceived in Rape and Lived to Tell About It At 15, Jason's mother was raped. He was created as a result. Hear Jason's story of the power of love and the courage of family. How does the knowledge of the circumstances surrounding one's entrance into this world affect a child's view of life? Find out by listening to this week's netcast.   News and commentary Follow up to pro-life Christmas shopping feature: Where do your poinsettia's come from? Blasted Ovaries: The Failure of Contraceptive Vaccines Irish fans in uproar over Coach Brian Kelly's stance on abortion Choice Cuts (Quotes from abortion advocates) Pro-life group infiltrated anti-Stupak/pro-abortion D.C. gathering & interviewed a "religiously pro-choice" man Who needs trees, hybrids, or solar power to "go green"? Population group suggests condoms. Hear Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice director's warped view of God and abortion.  Action Items for December: Peace on Earth Begins Before Birth http://www.rockforlife.org/blog.php?id=2867 2009-12-03 16:06:00 We know you are busy with the holiday hustle and bustle and may not have time for a lot of activism. But there are many quick and easy things you can do in the month of December that compliment the holiday season. As you remember and celebrate the birth of Christ, don't forget that his mother Mary was in a position that many in today's society would consider a "crisis pregnancy." Had they existed, Planned Parenthood would have encouraged her to abort Jesus Christ. Thousands of preborn children's lives are on the line every single day. Abortion mills don't stop killing for Christmas break. Women who endure abortions during the holiday season will always associate this joyous time with death and tragedy. As you sing "Peace on earth, good will toward men," remember that peace begins in the womb and goodwill should be extended to all mankind, preborn included. Things you can do DONATE TO RFL or ask your family to donate in lieu of or in addition to giving you a Christmas present. On Facebook, tell your friends to donate to RFL's cause instead of writing holiday greetings on your wall. Unlike material gifts, donations to Rock for Life have eternal value. CREATE A VIDEO about Rock for Life for Youtube's "Video Volunteers" competition. Submissions are due by December 21, so get going. Click here for details. DESIGN PRO-LIFE CRAFTS such as Christmas cards, ornaments, decorations and even holiday cookies with pro-life themes and messages. BUY PRO-LIFE GIFTS from ALL's store. There's something for everyone - clothing, tote bags, hats, buttons, books, DVDs, calendars and more. MAKE CHRISTMAS BASKETS for expectant mothers. Put baby items such as clothes, bottles, diapers and pacifiers in a basket and wrap it in clear cellophane and attach a pro-life Christmas note. When you're sidewalk counseling, give them to the women as they enter the killing center. This has saved many babies from death. DROP A NOTE in Salvation Army collection bins letting them know you will not be donating because of their stance on abortion - they do not believe in protecting children conceived in rape or with deformities. Listen to this week's Netcast for more details. New Chapter in Santa Barbara, CA http://www.rockforlife.org/blog.php?id=2866 2009-12-03 15:32:00 My name is Paul Carr and I have been pro-life since I started to follow Jesus, who is the author of life. Before that, I hadn't given it too much thought, other that the passing notion that abortion was always there to save me if "I messed up." I have been working with teenagers for the better part of the last 26 years and during that time pro-life issues would periodically come to the surface, and I would have to address it. Rock for Life was a fantastic resource, and I found myself using many of their brochures and purchasing items to give away. In 1996 I started a concert venue in Santa Barbara and, shortly after, we started an official chapter of RFL in Santa Barbara. In 1999 my family and I move out of the area and we disbanded the RFL chapter. During that time away from RFL I found out something very significant that gave me a great resolve in the pro-life fight and a very personal illustration as well. I had always believed that I was the oldest of two sons growing up and that it was just my brother and I in the family picture. However, I found out from my mother that she had had two other pregnancies before I was born, which she carried to term, and placed for adoption!  She was only 17 when she first became pregnant and her parents kicked her out of the house and told her not to come back with a baby. She ended up going to a home for unwed mothers and carried the baby to term and gave him up at birth. Yes, she made a bad choice in the first place, but she didn't compound the evil by killing her baby. She did get pregnant a second time and she placed this baby for adoption as well. It was a bit shocking, for sure, but I was able to look her in the eye and thank her for not aborting my siblings. She had felt such a big weight as she prepared to share the burden she had been carrying alone all these years. When she was met with love and understanding it touched her in a deep way. Had I not thought through these issues beforehand I may have acted in a different way. Since then I have met both my brother and sister and they are wonderful, happy and successful people. They have children of their own and one has even adopted as she was adopted. It has proven to be a wonderful legacy, and, for my mother, a sense of pride that she didn't take the easy way out. Now, I am working to start another venue here in Santa Barbara and am looking forward to promoting Rock for Life here again and make a difference in the way our culture views the unborn. WARNING: Your Christmas shopping could benefit Planned Parenthood http://www.rockforlife.org/blog.php?id=2865 2009-12-03 15:05:00 Christmas is a time when most Americans get together with their families and give gifts. For many, Christmas is also a celebration of the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. This will definitely be the case in my household! During this Christmas shopping season, we spend a significant amount of money on gifts as well as travel expenses to see family and friends. According to various online sources, the average American spends anywhere from $500 to $1000 on Christmas gifts alone. For some, I am sure it is much more. But did you know that many companies who sell us products and services also contribute financially to Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion chain? Talk about Bah! Humbug! Think about this: What kind of message does it send when we, personhood advocates, are preaching that we must restore human rights to all—born and preborn—while purchasing products and services from companies who support abortion? I understand that it is going to be nearly impossible to avoid every single company and service that supports moral evil. Therefore, we have decided to focus our financial boycott efforts specifically on those that contribute to Planned Parenthood, since they are the behemoth that profits from selling abortion and contraception while lying to women and protecting child predators. This topic was the feature of our most recent edition of the Rock for Life Netcast. On this show, we went through a boycott list provided by Life Decisions International and discussed a few of the well-known companies that donate to Planned Parenthood. We know that, over the years, many companies have ceased their financial support of Planned Parenthood after receiving letters and phone calls from consumers. Boycotts work, so why not use this tool? We know Planned Parenthood needs to make a profit to stay in business. We have seen its facilities shut down due to lack of customers. They will shut down when corporate donations dry up as well. When Planned Parenthood facilities close their doors, babies’ lives are saved and mothers are spared the trauma associated with abortion. I highly encourage you to listen to the show and prayerfully consider joining personhood advocates from around the country who have decided to put their “money where their mouth is,” and that is NOT in the pockets of corporations who contribute to the nation’s largest abortion provider. Let Christmas be a time of joy, family and celebrating the birth of our Lord ... not a time to stuff the coffers of the anti-Christian Planned Parenthood. Netcast: Pro-life Christmas Shopping - What to Avoid this Christmas Shopping Season http://www.rockforlife.org/blog.php?id=2862 2009-12-02 17:19:00 We just uploaded the latest Rock for Life netcast. Click here to take a listen Featured Artist: Divide the Sea   Feature: Pro-Life Christmas Shopping - What to Avoid this Christmas Shopping Season The Christmas shopping season is a time most Americans spend a significant amount of money on gifts as well as travel expenses to see family and friends.  Why spend money on gifts and other items whose parent companies then use those profits to donate financially to Planned Parenthood, America's largest abortion chain? On this episode host Erik Whittington, cohosts Jeff McLain and Kortney Blythe discuss some of these companies and the importance of shopping elsewhere. Big thanks to Life Decisions International who investigates these companies and supplies you with this list in exchange for a small donation. News and commentary From the culture: Life topics on TV. Glee character sings to sonogram & House promotes euthanasia Evangelical Pastor Rick Warren Challenges President Barack Obama on Abortion Man trapped in 23-year 'coma' reveals horror of being unable to tell doctors he was conscious Baltimore City Council Requires Pregnancy Help Centers to Advertise They Don't Offer Abortions Choice Cuts (Quotes from abortion advocates) Katie Walker was interviewed on MSNBC's "Morning Meeting" by Dylan Ratigan on Stupak & Health Care Scare Tactics by Sen. Bernie Sanders on Stupak World Contraception Day Promo Video Planned Parenthood skit of talking, walking box of condoms admits to their ineffectiveness Feminists true view of motherhood: Prison   MI RFL Chapter Honors Slain Pro-lifer By Educating High School http://www.rockforlife.org/blog.php?id=2861 2009-12-02 15:04:00 by Genesee & Lapeer Counties, Michigan RFL Chapter leader Rebecca Hope Gabryel In honor of a true hero for life, James Pouillon, my mom and I joined with other pro-lifers around 5:30 AM to head to Lahser High School. We had two people at each entrance/exit of the school by 6:45 AM. We had a number of pro-life signs, including ALL's “Face It Abortion Kills A Person,” “Pray to End Abortion” and “Personhood Now.” It was a little dark and foggy out, but lightened up quickly, and actually when the lights hit the signs from cars turning into the school and driving down the road, I think it actually made them stick out more. We had quite a few very ticked-off parents who drove by, either flipping us off or yelling that we needed to “get a life.” Technically, we were doing just that by trying to save babies’ lives and witnessing to the truth. We also had quite a few people (including a bus driver) yell: “a school is no place to show these things/images” and "keep your opinions to yourselves.” Around 7 AM, after we had just gotten our signs and were set into place, two police officers showed up. I believe it was the Principal who called them, and he was not happy. It probably upset him even more that the officers were very nice to us, and said we were, of course, completely within our rights.    I was by the main entrance (where the buses and parents came in to drop off) and Officer Sparks came over to us and said he just wanted to make sure we were okay. He also said he and his partner were the only officers in the area, but they were going to stay at the school until we were done to make sure none of the angry students or parents did anything to us. We were very appreciative of their presence and protection. When the officers parked in their police car to watch everything, they just happened to park so their headlights were shining on our signs. Nearly the whole time we were on the sidewalk the Principal seemed visibly upset, he was pacing up and down, talking on his cell phone (making lots of hand motions towards us), and interacting with the police officers for quite some time. Finally, he started taking pictures of us with his phone, and my mom took pictures of him taking them of us. It worked out really well also that by each entrance to the school there were a 3-way stops, forcing people to stop and see/read our signs instead of just blowing right by. Furthering Personhood through 5,000 CDs http://www.rockforlife.org/blog.php?id=2858 2009-11-30 11:05:00 Last year Rock for Life released a Winter Compilation CD chock-full of recordings by artists and musicians who are partnering with us to promote the human personhood movement. There was a lot of demand for this CD and 5,000 copies were distributed. For American Life League's annual Training and Activism event (to be held Jan. 20-23 in Washington, D.C.) Rock for Life will release its second annual Winter Compilation CD. As it did last year, the CD will feature 15 engaging tracks of very diverse musical styles that all proclaim Rock for Life’s message: Human rights for the preborn now! It will feature well-known Christian artists such as New Method, PhatMass, Becoming the Archetype and 12 others. Each CD is packaged in an attractive full-color, four-panel wallet providing information about Rock for Life and personhood, as well as a schedule and information on Training & Activism Week. And once again, 5,000 copies will be handed out for free at this event, which includes two free Rock for Life sponsored concerts as well. “It’s a brilliant way to market our message, and educate and meet new audiences,” explained Jeff McLain, Rock for Life’s tour and artist relations director, who also manages the CD project. “We can hand out thousands of informational fliers, but the reality is that most people will throw them out without ever reading them. In our experience, free music is always well received.” Rock for Life continues to use music to not only entertain young audiences, but educate and engage them on abortion, human personhood and human rights. In addition to its annual Winter Compilation, Rock for Life has produced over six major-release CD compilations. You can a copy by sending $15 (includes S&H) to Rock for Life CD Ordering, P.O. Box 1350, Stafford, VA 22555. For more information, visit www.rockforlife.org or call 540-659-4171. Happy Thanksgiving! http://www.rockforlife.org/blog.php?id=2856 2009-11-25 13:29:00 by Erik Whittington I was recently asked, “Erik, what are you thankful for?” Lots! Of course, I am thankful for my awesome wife, kids, family and, of course, God, who takes care of us. As personhood advocates, we have a lot we can be thankful for. Hearts and minds are converting to the pro-life truth. More Christian religious leaders are speaking out for the preborn. The movement is growing with more personhood amendments sprouting up all over the country. And polls continue to show that more and more people consider themselves pro-life. Planned Parenthood facilities are shutting down. PP is being exposed for what they really are: a business hell-bent on making as much money as possible off abortion and contraception while covering up for child predators. Recently, a PP facility director even quit her position and joined the pro-life movement! More babies and their mothers are being spared the trauma associated with the child-killing act of abortion. More bands are writing pro-life songs and breaking into the mainstream market. As a survivor of the abortion holocaust, you, of course, must be thankful that you survived. Currently, a child has about a 75 percent chance of surviving the womb from abortion. As a survivor of abortion, has God called you into one of the most important battles in the history of mankind—establishing personhood for each and every human being from his or her biological beginning?  Who knows if you were called for a time such as this? So, this weekend as you take some time out to spend with your family, be thankful for them and be thankful for LIFE!  I encourage you to pray, “Lord, what can I do to end abortion and advance the cause of personhood?” Let me know what He says! New Visalia Rock for Life Leader: 'Little Life Inside Me Was God's Child And He Had Big Plans for Her' http://www.rockforlife.org/word_pressreleases.php?id=10349 2009-11-25 09:54:00 Washington, DC (24 November 2009) – Rock for Life has a new chapter in Visalia, California, lead by a young woman with a passion for her new mission. “God placed a ministry right in my hands,” said Cassie Journey, 20. “Saving the lives of women and precious babies who are not being heard; I cannot wait to see how God is going to move in our community.”                                                                                          Cassie’s story starts three years ago. At 17, she became pregnant and thought of getting an abortion. But through prayer and love, her family changed her mind. “Without my family’s strength and light and Jesus Christ, Saydi, my daughter, would not be here today,” Cassie said. “God and Saydi were my focus, and I was determined to keep my eyes on Him – knowing that this little life inside of me was God’s child and that He had big plans for her.” With the support of her family, and inspired by her youth pastor, Cassie decided to start a Rock for Life chapter in Visalia. Cassie wanted to use her story and the gift of her daughter to show her community the beautiful gift of life and motherhood and to work for recognition of the personhood of all God’s children. “Cassie’s story as a young, scared, unmarried pregnant mother is not uncommon,” said Kortney Blythe, American Life League’s Rock for Life chapter coordinator. “But her righteous decision to reject abortion is one that should be praised and encouraged. Her precious daughter Saydi is a testament to the blessing of life. Despite our plans, God uses these situations for good. Rock for Life is excited to have Cassie on board as we restore personhood to all.” Rock for Life, a project of American Life League, works with hundreds of bands and thousands of pro-life youth who use music as a means to engage, educate and equip our culture to be advocates for life. You will not silence my message, you will not mock my God, you will stop killing my generation. ### NEW VISALIA ROCK FOR LIFE LEADER: 'LITTLE LIFE INSIDE ME WAS GOD’S CHILD AND HE HAD BIG PLANS FOR HER' http://www.rockforlife.org/blog.php?id=2855 2009-11-25 09:48:00 Washington, DC (24 November 2009) – Rock for Life has a new chapter in Visalia, California, lead by a young woman with a passion for her new mission. “God placed a ministry right in my hands,” said Cassie Journey, 20. “Saving the lives of women and precious babies who are not being heard; I cannot wait to see how God is going to move in our community.”                                                                                          Cassie’s story starts three years ago. At 17, she became pregnant and thought of getting an abortion. But through prayer and love, her family changed her mind. “Without my family’s strength and light and Jesus Christ, Saydi, my daughter, would not be here today,” Cassie said. “God and Saydi were my focus, and I was determined to keep my eyes on Him – knowing that this little life inside of me was God’s child and that He had big plans for her.” With the support of her family, and inspired by her youth pastor, Cassie decided to start a Rock for Life chapter in Visalia. Cassie wanted to use her story and the gift of her daughter to show her community the beautiful gift of life and motherhood and to work for recognition of the personhood of all God’s children. “Cassie’s story as a young, scared, unmarried pregnant mother is not uncommon,” said Kortney Blythe, American Life League’s Rock for Life chapter coordinator. “But her righteous decision to reject abortion is one that should be praised and encouraged. Her precious daughter Saydi is a testament to the blessing of life. Despite our plans, God uses these situations for good. Rock for Life is excited to have Cassie on board as we restore personhood to all.” Rock for Life, a project of American Life League, works with hundreds of bands and thousands of pro-life youth who use music as a means to engage, educate and equip our culture to be advocates for life. You will not silence my message, you will not mock my God, you will stop killing my generation. ### Welcome New Eugene, OR Chapter http://www.rockforlife.org/blog.php?id=2852 2009-11-23 13:22:00 Jacque Berg is married to an evangelist and has four children. She, her husband and her children are music lovers. In fact, the church they attend in Eugene, Oregon was a launching pad and stepping stone for many of the early Christian rock bands.  Her daughter is a tour leader for the African Children's Choir and for several years she was the artist liaison for the Fringe Stage at Creation Northwest Festival.  Her youngest son, a rock for life supporter, is in a local rock/worship band and runs a small concert venue. Jacque's love for a variety of musical genres led her to regularly attend Creation Northwest Festival for the last 11 years, 6 of which she worked as one of the Prayer Team supervisors, and Tomfest, a smaller, more alternative, rock festival in southern Washington state. In addition, she volunteers for a local production organization and works at as many local shows as she can. She works in local schools and recently obtained her M.A. in School Counseling. Her desire to build others up, combined with her passion for education and music, makes her a great asset to the Rock for Life chapter family. Her pro-life experience includes volunteering for Lane Pregnancy Support Center, where her daughter also worked and taught abstinence in the schools.  "My desire [is] to influence and help youth by education, but also by providing help and support when needed. And I love music! So, it seems about time that I tie in with Rock for Life," she says.